[RE-wrenches] Flooded Lead Calcium Batteries (was Re: Electrolyte level measurement)

Thu Feb 29 08:54:47 PST 2024

The C&D flooded calcium alloy batteries are indeed a good choice for float
service backup batteries if flooded batteries are acceptable for the
installation. I've seen these and other similar batteries last far longer
than 20 years. Anyone remember the round AT&T cells?

I've always promoted the East Penn Unigy II AGM batteries for the same
reasons, except they are sealed instead of flooded.  They are also 20 year
batteries in float backup operation. They have extremely low self discharge
so maintain grid tie efficiency. They take up much less floor space than
the flooded versions, and don't require acid control or ventilation
measures.

Brad Bassett (ret.)

On Thu, Feb 29, 2024 at 6:32 AM Todd Cory via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> You are welcome!
>
> With the recent thread disparaging the "new and better" LFP batteries, I
> thought I would remind folks about a ~100 year old battery chemistry that
> Windy Danoff originally introduced me to. These have been, and still are
> the mainstay for telecom and commercial power generation backup.
>
> Note that these are considered "shallow cycle" (50%) batteries, so not
> appropriate for off grid, but they are the perfect battery for grid tied
> systems which float 99% of the time. They are very low self discharge, last
> 20 years, and basically consume no water... which is why I suggested these
> as a possible solution to Bill's thread about battery watering.
>
> In ~4 years, when my existing 16 year old set of Surette FC420's need
> replacing, I will happily replace them with the C&D version. I had
> considered LFP, but the problems wrenches are having, combined with the
> expense has me sticking with what works. The only real advantage of LFP is
> lower weight/ kWh, but for stationary batteries that doesn’t matter, plus
> flooded lead calcium’s are about 1/3 the price.
>
> Todd
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thursday, February 29, 2024 1:26am, "david quattro via RE-wrenches" <
> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> said:
>
> THANK YOU TODD
>   for teaching me about an existing battery chemistry I didn’t previously
> know about. Awesome!
>
> David Quattro
> CA License # 954020. C-10, C-46
> ph (415) 312-2661
> www.quattrosolar.com
>
>
> On Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 10:33 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Todd:
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks but I think you need to reread the question.  I asked for input on
>> how to more easily check electrolyte liquid level in flooded batteries.
>> These are batteries that are already in place in multiple locations.
>>
>>
>>
>> I got responses on how to fill batteries or what type of batteries to
>> purchase.  I am not going to advise my clients to replace perfectly good
>> batteries.  I also have a pretty good tool
>> <https://www.phlsci.com/product-lines/battery-watering-gun/model-gun-x/>
>> for filling batteries.
>>
>>
>>
>> Maybe we should just let this thread die…
>>
>>
>>
>> William
>>
>>
>>
>> Miller Solar
>>
>> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>>
>> 805-438-5600
>>
>> www.millersolar.com
>>
>> CA Lic. 773985
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
>> Behalf Of *Todd Cory via RE-wrenches
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, February 28, 2024 10:19 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>> *Cc:* toddcory at finestplanet.com
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Electrolyte level measurement
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> https://www.cdtechno.com/search?query=lead+calcium&refinementList=%5B%5D&page=1
>>
>>
>> Lead-Calcium
>> <https://www.cdtechno.com/search?query=lead+calcium&refinementList=%5B%5D&page=1>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wednesday, February 28, 2024 9:37pm, "William Miller via RE-wrenches" <
>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> said:
>>
>> Todd:
>>
>> This is about batteries that exist.
>>
>> William Miller
>> Miller Solar.com
>> 805-438-5600
>> www.millersolar.com
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 1:23 PM Todd Cory via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>> Another option for grid tied with battery based systems, is to use
>> flooded lead calcium batteries which last 20 years and only need about 20
>> ml/ cell, added every 3 years.
>>
>> Todd
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from Finest Planet WebMail.
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>
>
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